A framework for diffusing prevention through design education and training

Prevention through design (PtD) education and training equips designers with the skills, knowledge, and experience to eliminate or substitute risks/hazards at the early stage of the project lifecycle. Despite being one of the most effective and efficient health and safety improvement strategies in projects, its adoption is low, and the skills and knowledge required are limited. Consequently, this study developed a framework of strategies for the diffusion and implementation of its education and training towards capacity development in this review. The narrative literature method has been adopted where the relevant studies have been identified through the backward snowballing and personal knowledge/contracts approach, and the data extracted from relevant sources were analysed thematically to develop the framework. The framework proposes that in addressing the barriers and challenges to PtD, innovative teaching and learning such as using virtual reality, exploiting opportunities including leveraging the one that its integration brings, and curriculum change, especially including PtD concepts into the design concepts in the education curriculum. The review advances the understanding of academics, training providers, education institutions, policymakers, and businesses on the solutions to addressing sustainable construction and engineering education diffusion and implementation.